Washing machine

ABSTRACT

A washing machine in which a liquid balance weight is mounted at a surface portion of a drum where a spider is also mounted is disclosed. The washing machine comprises a drum for receiving laundry, a spider mounted at a surface portion of the drum and having a plurality of legs, a drive shaft mounted to the spider, and a liquid balance weight mounted at the surface portion of the drum where the spider is also mounted. The liquid balance weight has a plurality of seating recesses for receiving the plurality of legs of the spider, respectively.

This application claims the benefit of the Korean Patent Application No. 10-2005-0039356, filed on May 11, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and more particularly, to a washing machine in which a liquid balance weight is mounted at a surface portion of a drum where a spider is also mounted.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a conventional washing machine.

As shown in FIG. 1, the conventional washing machine comprises a cabinet 1 forming an outer appearance of the washing machine, a tub 2 mounted in the cabinet 1 and adapted to receive wash water therein, a drum 3 rotatably disposed in the tub 2 and adapted to agitate laundry (m) and wash water filled therein by use of lifters 3 a, and a motor 4 mounted to a rear surface portion of the tub 2 and adapted to rotate the drum 3.

The cabinet 1 is formed at a front surface portion thereof with a laundry entrance/exit opening 1 a. A door 1 b is provided to open and close the laundry entrance/exit opening 1 a.

The tub 2 is formed at a front surface portion thereof with an opening 2 a such that the opening 2 a is located behind the laundry entrance/exit opening 1 a. The tub 2 is connected to the ceiling of the cabinet 1 by means of springs 2 b such that the tub 2 is hung in the cabinet 1. The tub 2 is also connected to the bottom of the cabinet 1 by means of dampers 2 c such that the tub 2 is supported in the cabinet 1 in a shock absorbing manner.

The tub 2 has a gasket 2 d interposed between the opening 2 a and the laundry entrance/exit opening 1 a of the cabinet 1.

The drum 3 has a plurality of lifters 3 a uniformly protruding inward from an inner peripheral surface thereof.

The drum 3 also has a plurality of through-holes 3 b perforated therethrough, to allow the wash water received in the tub 2 to be introduced into the drum 3.

The drum 3 is formed at a front surface portion thereof with an opening 3 c such that the opening 3 c is located behind the laundry entrance/exit opening 1 a.

A spider 3 d is mounted at a rear surface portion of the drum 3.

The spider 3 d includes a shaft mount for the mounting of a drive shaft 4 a that will be explained hereinafter, and a plurality of legs protruding from the shaft mount to be coupled to the drum 3.

The drive shaft 4 a, which is one constituent element of the motor 4, is configured to penetrate through a rear surface portion of the tub 2 to thereby be mounted to the spider 3 d.

In addition to the above described configuration, as shown in FIG. 1, a liquid balance weight 7 is mounted at the front surface portion of the drum 3. The liquid balance weight 7 serves to compensate for the imbalance of the drum 3.

The liquid balance weight 7 is internally formed with a plurality of baffles. If the interior of the drum 3 is unbalanced, contents, for example, salt water, filled in the liquid balance weight 7 is inclined in one direction opposite to the imbalance direction of the drum 3, so as to compensate for the imbalance of the drum 3.

With the use of the liquid balance weight 7, when laundry (m) received in the drum 3 is eccentrically clustered toward a front side of the drum 3 and thus, the drum 3 is unbalanced forward, the conventional washing machine has a sufficient balancing function because the liquid balance weight 7 is aligned on approximately the same axis as the laundry causing the imbalance of the drum 3. However, when laundry (m) received in the drum 3 is eccentrically clustered toward a rear side of the drum 3 and thus, the drum 3 is unbalanced rearward, the direction of a centrifugal force f2 generated by the liquid balance weight 7 is diagonally opposite to the direction of an imbalance force f1. This makes impossible the liquid balance weight 7 to achieve a desired balancing function, and may result in an increase in vibration of the drum 3.

To solve the above described problem, it has been considered that additional liquid balance weight (not shown) is provided at the rear surface portion of the drum 3. However, the additional balance weight has a risk of collision with the tub 2. If a longitudinal length of the drum 3 is reduced to prevent the collision, it results in a reduction in the capacity of the washing machine. Conversely, if the lengths of the tub 2 and cabinet 1 are increased, it requires an increased size of the washing machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a washing machine that substantially obviates one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which is capable of minimizing generation of vibration due to imbalance, without reducing a wash capacity or increasing the size of the washing machine.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which is capable of compensating for the imbalance of a drum regardless of the position of a subject causing the imbalance.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which is capable of maximizing the volume of a liquid balance weight.

Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a washing machine comprises: a drum for receiving laundry; a spider mounted at a surface portion of the drum and having a plurality of legs; a drive shaft mounted to the spider; and a liquid balance weight mounted at the surface portion of the drum where the spider is also mounted, and the liquid balance weight may have a plurality of seating recesses for receiving the plurality of legs of the spider, respectively.

The drum may be formed with a plurality of fastening holes, and the liquid balance weight may be formed with a plurality of fastening bosses corresponding to the fastening holes of the drum. Accordingly, the drum and liquid balance weight may be fixed to each other as fastening members are inserted through the fastening holes and fastening bosses.

The liquid balance weight may be formed with a plurality of fastening holes, and the spider may be formed with a plurality of fastening bosses corresponding to the fastening holes of the liquid balance weight. Accordingly, the liquid balance weight and spider may be fixed to each other as fastening members are inserted through the fastening holes and fastening bosses.

The liquid balance weight may have a liquid passage extending through portions of the liquid balance weight where the seating recesses are formed.

The washing machine may further comprise a second liquid balance weight mounted at a surface portion of the drum opposite to the liquid balance weight.

The drum may be formed with a plurality of fastening holes, and the second liquid balance weight may be formed with a plurality of fastening bosses corresponding to the fastening holes of the drum. Accordingly, the drum and second liquid balance weight may be fixed to each other as fastening members are inserted through the fastening holes and fastening bosses.

The drum may include: a drum body having curled front and rear ends; a drum front cover configured to be coupled to the curled front end of the drum body, the drum front cover having a laundry entrance/exit opening; and a drum rear cover configured to be coupled to the curled rear end of the drum body.

The drum rear cover may have a spider insertion portion for allowing the spider to be inserted therein, and a balance weight insertion portion for allowing the liquid balance weight to be inserted therein.

The drum front cover may have a balance weight insertion portion for allowing the second liquid balance weight to be inserted therein.

The washing machine having the above described configuration has the following several advantages.

Firstly, a liquid balance weight is mounted at a surface portion of a drum where a spider is also mounted, and the liquid balance weight has seating recesses for receiving legs of the spider. With this configuration, since the liquid balance weight is able to access the drum to the maximum extent, there is an advantage in that the generation of vibration due to the imbalance of the drum can be minimized without reducing wash capacity and increasing the size of the washing machine.

Secondly, in the washing machine of the present invention, the liquid balance weight has a liquid passage, which is continuously extended through the interior of portions of the liquid balance weight where the seating recesses are formed. This has an advantage in that liquid can efficiently flow throughout the interior of the liquid balance weight.

Thirdly, the washing machine of the present invention has a second liquid balance weight mounted at a surface portion of the drum opposite to the liquid balance weight. As a result, the washing machine can compensate for the imbalance of the drum regardless of the position of a subject causing the imbalance.

Fourthly, in the washing machine of the present invention, a drum rear cover is formed with a spider insertion portion for allowing the spider to be inserted therein and a balance weight insertion portion for allowing the liquid balance weight to be inserted therein, whereas a drum front cover is formed with a balance weight insertion portion for allowing the second liquid balance weight to be inserted therein. This configuration has an advantage in that the volumes of the liquid balance weight and second liquid balance weight can be increased to the maximum extent.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a conventional washing machine;

FIG. 2 is a partially cut-away sectional view of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating important parts of the washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of important parts of the washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the coupling structure of a spider and liquid balance weight shown in FIGS. 3 and 4; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the coupling structure of a second liquid balance weight shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 2 is a partially cut-away sectional view of a washing machine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the washing machine according to the present embodiment comprises a cabinet 10 forming an outer appearance of the washing machine. The cabinet 10 is formed at a front surface portion thereof with a laundry entrance/exit opening 11. A door 12 is pivotally connected by use of a hinge to open and close the laundry entrance/exit opening 11.

Specifically, the cabinet 10 includes a base 13, a cabinet body 14 disposed on the base 13 for forming opposite lateral surface portions and rear surface portion of the washing machine, a cabinet cover 15 disposed in front of the cabinet body 14 for forming the front surface portion of the washing machine, the cabinet cover 15 being provided with the laundry entrance/exit opening 11 and door 12, and a top cover 16 disposed at a top of the cabinet body 14.

A tub 20 is fixedly mounted in the cabinet 10. The tub 20 is configured to receive wash water therein during a washing or rinsing process.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating important parts of the washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tub 20 includes a tub body 22 directly coupled to the cabinet cover 15 by use of fastening members such as screws, and a tub cover 24 coupled to a rear end of the tub body 22 by use of fastening members such as screws.

The tub body 22 is formed at a front surface portion thereof with an opening 23 such that the opening 23 is located behind the laundry entrance/exit opening 11.

The tub cover 24 is centrally formed with an opening 25.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tub 20 further includes a tub bracket 26 and gasket 28 forming a rear surface portion of the tub 20. The tub bracket 26 and gasket 38 are configured to close the opening 25 of the tub cover 24.

The gasket 28 serves to prevent wash water from leaking out of the tub 20 and to absorb vibration or impact being transmitted from the tub bracket 26 to the tub cover 24. For this, the gasket 28 is made of a contractible or expandable elastic material.

The gasket 28 is formed along the overall outer periphery of the tub bracket 26 and adapted to seal the opening 25 of the tub cover 24.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a bearing housing 36 is mounted at the rear surface portion of the tub 20 such that it is coupled to the tub bracket 26 by use of fastening members such as screws. The bearing housing 36 includes a bearing 32 for supporting a drive shaft 46 of a motor 40 that will be explained hereinafter.

The bearing housing 36 is connected to the cabinet 10 by use of dampers 50. Also, the bearing housing 36 is provided with first damper brackets 51, whereas the base 13 of the cabinet 10 is provided with second damper brackets 52. Each damper 50 is located between the associated first and second damper brackets 51 and 52.

Here, some of the dampers 50 are oriented vertically to alleviate vertical vibration or impact, and the other damper(s) 50 are oriented obliquely to alleviate horizontal force or vibration or impact being applied in an oblique direction.

The motor 40 is mounted to the bearing housing 36. The motor 40 is adapted to rotate a drum 60 that will be explained hereinafter.

As shown in FIG. 2, the motor 40 includes a stator 42 coupled to a rear surface of the bearing housing 36 by use of fastening members such as screws, a rotor 44 adapted to be rotated in cooperation with the stator 42, and the drive shaft 46 mounted to the rotor 44.

The drive shaft 46 penetrates through the bearing housing 36 to be supported by the bearing 32 while being mounted at a rear end thereof to the rotor 44. Also, the drive shaft 46 penetrates through the tub bracket 26 to be connected to a rear surface portion of the drum 60.

The drum 60 serves to receive laundry therein to perform laundry washing, rinsing, dehydrating, and drying processes. The drum 60 is rotatably disposed in the tub 20 such that it is supported and rotated by the drive shaft 46.

The drum 60 takes the form of a lying cylinder, and has an opening 61 formed at a front surface portion thereof behind the laundry entrance/exit opening i1. The drum 60 also has a plurality of through-holes 62 and 63 perforated through a peripheral portion and rear surface portion thereof for the inflow and outflow of wash water received in the tub 20. A plurality of lifters 64 uniformly protrude inward from an inner peripheral surface of the drum 60 and are adapted to induce the flow of laundry and wash water.

In the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a spider 80 is mounted at the rear surface portion of the drum 60 such that the drive shaft 46 is fitted into the spider 80. Also, a liquid balance weight 90 is mounted at the rear surface portion of the drum 60 where the spider 80 is also mounted, and a second liquid balance weight 100 is mounted at the front surface portion of the drum 60 opposite to the liquid balance weight 90.

As shown in FIG. 2, the spider 80 includes a shaft mount 81 for the mounting of the drive shaft 46, and a plurality of legs 82 protruding from the shaft mount 81 to be coupled to the drum 60 by use of fastening members such as screws.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating important parts of the washing machine in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the drum 60 includes a drum body 66 forming a peripheral portion of the drum 60, a drum front cover 70 coupled to a front end of the drum body 66 in a curling coupling manner, the front cover 70 forming a front surface portion of the drum 60, and a drum rear cover 74 coupled to a rear end of the drum body 66 in a curling coupling manner, the rear cover 74 forming a rear surface portion of the drum 60.

The drum body 66 takes the form of a lying hollow cylinder having open front and rear ends. The drum body 66 has a curled front end 67 for the curling coupling of the drum front cover 70 and a curled rear end 68 for the curling coupling of the drum rear cover 74.

The drum front cover 70 is centrally formed with the opening 61 such that the opening 61 is protruded forward with respect to the drum front cover 70.

The drum front cover 70 is partially inserted into the drum body 66, and has a forwardly bent rim portion 71.

A distal end of the rim portion 71 is curled outwardly. With this configuration, the drum front cover 70 is coupled to the drum body 66 such that the distal end of the rim portion 71 surrounds the curled front end 67 of the drum body 66.

The drum front cover 70 also has a balance weight insertion portion 72. The balance weight insertion portion 72 has the same shape as the second liquid balance weight 100, but is slightly larger than the second liquid balance weight 100. Accordingly, the second liquid balance weight 100 is able to be wholly or partially inserted and mounted between the opening 61 and the rim portion 71 of the drum front cover 70.

The drum rear cover 74 is partially inserted into the drum body 66, and has a rearwardly bent rim portion 75.

A distal end of the rim portion 75 is curled outwardly. With this configuration, the drum rear cover 74 is coupled to the drum body 66 such that the distal end of the rim portion 75 surrounds the curled rear end 68 of the drum body 66.

The drum rear cover 74 has a rearwardly protruding portion 76. The rearwardly protruding portion 76 is configured to define a spider insertion portion 77 and balance weight insertion portion 78 in the remaining region of the drum rear cover 74. The spider insertion portion 77 has the same shape as the spider 80, but is slightly larger than the spider 80. Also, the balance weight insertion portion 78 has the same shape as the liquid balance weight 90, but is slightly larger than the liquid balance weight 90. Accordingly, the spider 80 and liquid balance weight 90 are able to be wholly or partially inserted into the spider insertion portion 77 and liquid balance weight insertion portion 78 of the drum rear cover 74, respectively.

The liquid balance weight 90 has a plurality of seating recesses 91 for receiving the legs 82 of the spider 80, respectively. Forming the seating recesses 91 allows the liquid balance weight 90 to be deeply inserted into the balance weight insertion portion 78 to the maximum extent.

The number of the seating recesses 91 is equal to that of the legs 82 of the spider 80, and each seating recess 91 is slightly larger than each leg 82 of the spider 80.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the coupling structure of the spider and liquid balance weight shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the spider 80 is wholly inserted into the spider insertion portion 77 of the drum rear cover 74 from the rear side of the drum rear cover 74. After being inserted, the legs 82 of the spider 80 are coupled to both the drum rear cover 74 and drum body 66 by use of a plurality of fastening members 83.

Specifically, the drum body 66 and drum rear cover 74 are perforated with fastening holes 66A and 74A, respectively, such that the fastening holes 66A and 74A are vertically aligned when the drum rear cover 74 is inserted into the drum body 66. Each leg 82 of the spider 80 has a fastening hole 82A formed at an outer end position thereof such that the fastening hole 82A is aligned with the associated fastening holes 66A and 74A when the spider 80 is inserted into the drum rear cover 74. With this configuration, the spider 80 is able to be assembled to the drum 60 as fastening members 83 are inwardly inserted and fastened into the fastening holes 66A, 74A, and 82A in this sequence from the outer side of the periphery of the drum 60.

As shown in FIG. 5, the liquid balance weight 90 has a plurality of baffles 90A uniformly formed therein and a passage 90B for allowing a liquid S such as salt water filled in the liquid balance weight 90 to flow in a circumferential direction of the liquid balance weight 90.

The passage 90B of the liquid balance weight 90 is continuously extended through portions of the liquid balance weight 90 where the respective seating recesses 91 are formed. Accordingly, the liquid S such as salt water is able to flow through the interior of the portions of the liquid balance weight 90 where the seating recesses 91 are formed.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the liquid balance weight 90 is wholly or partially inserted into the balance weight insertion portion 78 of the drum rear cover 74 from the rear side of the drum rear cover 74. After being inserted, the liquid balance weight 90 is coupled to the spider 80 by use of fastening members 92.

Specifically, the spider 80 is formed with a plurality of fastening bosses 82B at the respective legs 82. Also, the liquid balance weight 90 is provided with a plurality of fastening pieces 94 each having a fastening hole 93 such that the fastening pieces 94 protrude inward from an inner periphery of the liquid balance weight 90. With this configuration, the liquid balance weight 90 is able to be assembled to the spider 80 as the fastening members 92 are fastened through the fastening holes 93 of the fastening pieces 94 and the fastening bosses 82B in this sequence from the rear side of the liquid balance weight 90.

In addition to being assembled to the spider 80, the liquid balance weight 90 is coupled to the drum 60 by use of fastening members 95.

Specifically, the drum body 66 and drum rear cover 74 are perforated with fastening holes 66B and 74B, respectively, such that the fastening holes 66B and 74B are vertically aligned when the drum rear cover 74 is inserted into the drum body 66. The liquid balance weight 90 is formed with fastening bosses 96 such that the fastening bosses 96 are aligned with the fastening holes 66B and 74B when the liquid balance weight 90 is inserted into the drum rear cover 74. With this configuration, the liquid balance weight 90 is able to be assembled to the drum 60 as the fastening members 95 are inwardly inserted and fastened into the fastening holes 66B, 74B, and fastening bosses 96 in this sequence from the outer side of the periphery of the drum 60.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the coupling structure of the second liquid balance weight shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

As shown in FIG. 6, the second liquid balance weight 100 has a plurality of baffles 100A uniformly formed therein and a passage 100B for allowing a liquid S′ such as salt water filled in the second liquid balance weight 100 to flow in a circumferential direction of the second liquid balance weight 100.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the second liquid balance weight 100 is wholly or partially inserted into the balance weight insertion portion 72 of the drum front cover 70 from the front side of the drum front cover 70. After being inserted, the second liquid balance weight 100 is coupled to the drum 60 by use of fastening members 101.

Specifically, the drum body 66 and drum front cover 70 are perforated with fastening holes 66C and 70A, respectively, such that the fastening holes 66C and 70A are vertically aligned when the drum front cover 70 is inserted into the drum body 66. Also, the second liquid balance weight 100 has a plurality of fastening bosses 102 uniformly arranged along an outer periphery thereof. With this configuration, the second liquid balance weight 100 is able to be assembled to the drum 60 as the fastening members 101 are inwardly inserted and fastened through the fastening holes 66C, 70A, and fastening bosses 102 in this sequence from the outer side of the periphery of the drum 60.

Hereinafter, the operation of the present invention having the above described configuration will be explained.

First, if the motor 40 is driven, the drive shaft 46 is rotated, and simultaneously, the spider 80 and drum 60 are rotated.

In accordance with the rotation of the drum 60, laundry received in the drum 60 is subjected to washing, rinsing, dehydrating, and drying processes, and the liquid balance weight 90 and second liquid balance weight 100 operate to compensate for the imbalance of the drum 60.

Now, a procedure for compensating for the imbalance of the drum 60 using the liquid balance weight 90 and second liquid balance weight 100 will be explained in more detail.

First, if laundry in the drum 60 is eccentrically clustered in a front region of the drum 60, an eccentric force caused by the laundry can be mostly compensated by the second liquid balance weight 100. In this case, the liquid balance weight 90 has a lesser effect on the compensation of the eccentric force as compared to the second liquid balance weight 100.

Specifically, the liquid S′ filled in the second liquid balance weight 100 is moved in a direction opposite to the laundry in order to compensate for the eccentric force caused by the laundry. Thereby, the liquid S′ is placed on approximately the same axis as the laundry, thereby acting to compensate for the eccentric force caused by the laundry.

Meanwhile, the liquid S filled in the liquid balance weight 90 is moved in a direction opposite to the laundry, namely, in a direction diagonally opposite to the laundry, in order to compensate for the eccentric force caused by the laundry. A force generated by the liquid S, which is moved in a diagonally opposite direction with respect to the laundry, has a difference direction from that of the eccentric force caused by the laundry. Therefore, the liquid S filled in the liquid balance weight 90 has a lesser ability to compensate for the eccentric force as compared to the liquid S′ filled in the second liquid balance weight 100.

On the other hand, if laundry in the drum 60 is eccentrically clustered in a rear region of the drum 60, an eccentric force caused by the laundry can be mostly compensated by the liquid balance weight 90. In this case, the second liquid balance weight 100 has a lesser effect on the compensation of the eccentric force as compared to the liquid balance weight 90.

Specifically, the liquid S filled in the liquid balance weight 90 is moved in a direction opposite to the laundry in order to compensate for the eccentric force caused by the laundry. Thereby, the liquid S is placed on approximately the same axis as the laundry, thereby acting to compensate for the eccentric force caused by the laundry.

Meanwhile, the liquid S′ filled in the second liquid balance weight 100 is moved in a direction opposite to the laundry, namely, in a direction diagonally opposite to the laundry, in order to compensate for the eccentric force caused by the laundry. A force generated by the liquid S′, which is moved in a diagonally opposite direction with respect to the laundry, has a difference direction from that of the eccentric force caused by the laundry. Therefore, the liquid S′ filled in the second liquid balance weight 100 has a lesser ability to compensate for the eccentric force as compared to the liquid S filled in the liquid balance weight 90.

That is, the liquid balance weight 90 and second liquid balance weight 100 are complementary to each other.

Meanwhile, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above described embodiment, and a variety of modifications thereof can be provided. For example, the drum 60 may be disposed in a transversal direction other than a longitudinal direction, or may be disposed vertically or obliquely. Also, the tub 20 may be supported in the cabinet 10 by use of springs or dampers in a conventional shock absorbing manner, rather than being directly fixed to the cabinet 10.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A washing machine comprising: a drum for receiving laundry; a spider mounted at a surface portion of the drum and having a plurality of legs; a drive shaft mounted to the spider; and a liquid balance weight mounted at the surface portion of the drum where the spider is also mounted, wherein the liquid balance weight has a plurality of seating recesses for receiving the plurality of legs of the spider, respectively.
 2. The washing machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the drum is formed with a plurality of fastening holes; the liquid balance weight is formed with a plurality of fastening bosses corresponding to the fastening holes of the drum; and the drum and liquid balance weight are fixed to each other as fastening members are inserted through the fastening holes and fastening bosses.
 3. The washing machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the liquid balance weight is formed with a plurality of fastening holes; the spider is formed with a plurality of fastening bosses corresponding to the fastening holes of the liquid balance weight; and the liquid balance weight and spider are fixed to each other as fastening members are inserted through the fastening holes and fastening bosses.
 4. The washing machine as set forth in claim 1, wherein the liquid balance weight has a liquid passage extending through portions of the liquid balance weight where the seating recesses are formed.
 5. The washing machine as set forth in claim 1, further comprising: a second liquid balance weight mounted at a surface portion of the drum opposite to the liquid balance weight.
 6. The washing machine as set forth in claim 5, wherein: the drum is formed with a plurality of fastening holes; the second liquid balance weight is formed with a plurality of fastening bosses corresponding to the fastening holes of the drum; and the drum and second liquid balance weight are fixed to each other as fastening members are inserted through the fastening holes and fastening bosses.
 7. The washing machine as set forth in claim 5, wherein the drum includes: a drum body having curled front and rear ends; a drum front cover configured to be coupled to the curled front end of the drum body, the drum front cover having a laundry entrance/exit opening; and a drum rear cover configured to be coupled to the curled rear end of the drum body.
 8. The washing machine as set forth in claim 7, wherein the drum rear cover has a spider insertion portion for allowing the spider to be inserted therein, and a balance weight insertion portion for allowing the liquid balance weight to be inserted therein.
 9. The washing machine as set forth in claim 7, wherein the drum front cover has a balance weight insertion portion for allowing the second liquid balance weight to be inserted therein.
 10. A washing machine comprising: a tub for receiving wash water therein; a drum rotatably disposed in the tub; a spider mounted at a surface portion of the drum and having a plurality of legs; a drive shaft mounted to the spider; a liquid balance weight mounted at the surface portion of the drum where the spider is also mounted, the liquid balance weight having a plurality of seating recesses for receiving the plurality of legs of the spider, respectively; a bearing housing for supporting the drive shaft; and a damping device connected to the bearing housing.
 11. The washing machine as set forth in claim 10, wherein the tub has a tub body fixedly mounted to a cabinet. 